Stockbridge Community Schools seeks 2.95-mill tax to improve high school and elementary schools

Hailey Howard, 10, back right, and Ty Andrews, 9, middle, attach a title as they work on a roller coaster project at Heritage Elementary School in Stockbridge on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013. (J. Scott Park | MLIve.com)

Stockbridge Community Schools is asking voters to approve a 20-year, 2.95-mill tax proposal in the May 6 election for district improvements.

The increase would generate $18.1 million, payable over the next two decades, according to Stockbridge Superintendent Karl Heidrich.

The funds would be used for improvements at Stockbridge High School, Smith Elementary and Heritage Elementary, as well as for district-wide technology, mechanical and electrical upgrades.

“We have a lot of great academic programs,” Heidrich said. “But that bond would certainly increase our capabilities to do even more great things.”

If the bond proposal is approved, the cost for a resident with a home valued at $100,000 would be $147.50 per year.

Bond funds cannot be used for facility and bus maintenance, instructional materials or employee salaries,

The improvements funded by the bond issue would come in conjunction with the district’s plan to close down the current middle school, parts of which are 84 years old and in need of extensive repair.

With declining enrollment projected over the next decade, the Stockbridge School Board recently determined that closing the middle school to students this fall would be the best option for the district.

New grade configurations will be in place in the fall. Smith Elementary will be a K-3 building, Heritage will have grades 4-7 and the high school will have grades 8-12.

Heidrich said it is important for the district to seek a bond issue at this time, especially because of the reconfiguration.

“We’re trying our best to enhance our three existing buildings,” Heidrich said. “We are going from four buildings to three buildings in the district, and enhancing those buildings with technology, security and a small addition to accommodate our grade levels.”

The millage would address the following needs for the district:

• New high school science classrooms and gym to accommodate new grade configuration;